Rumor: PSP2 powerful as PS3, dual sticks, Q4 launch

It's time for your daily dose of PSP2 rumoring, with the latest details once again hyping the system's power, as well as hinting at the most requested feature of all -- twin analog sticks.

The bit making headlines is the claim that the PSP2 is as powerful as a PS3, which has already been hinted at in the past. Sony is apparently coaxing licensees by billing the PSP successor as a "high-end portable equivalent" of the PlayStation 3.

The PSP2 is said to have an HD screen, which is practically a given, while the UMD format will continue to be supported. As well as physical media, the PSP2 will support Apps and smaller downloadable games via the PlayStation Network. It is suggested that the system will launch in Q4 of this year, possibly in October.

It's those twin sticks, however, that really get my attention. Sony is said to be asking developers to create deep experiences with a lot of content, in order to make the PSP2 stand out from smartphones, which seems quite similar to the original PSP's MO.